He was born March 7, 1936, to Melvin Roy and Jessie Ann (Pool) Beasley. He was married on April 7, 1956 to Virginia Ruth Scott in Thompson. Walter was raised in Centralia and graduated form Centralia High School in 1963. He worked at A.B. Chance company for many years and farmed in the Thompson area.

He was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was an avid golfer and loved playing golf with his golf buddies. He enjoyed bluegrass, gospel music and spending time with his family.